While World Triathlon already hinted last October at exploring two new disciplines within the sport – namely “Fitness Racing” and “Swimrun” – rumors that this could actually happen are gaining momentum. One thing is certain: World Triathlon regularly engages in discussions with the organizers behind Hyrox, meaning this popular sport could soon become part of the international triathlon calendar.
Founded in 2017, Hyrox has grown explosively in recent years, both in terms of participant numbers and popularity. The sport combines running with functional strength exercises. Its standard format consists of 8 x 1 km runs, each interspersed with eight different strength stations: 1000 m SkiErg, 50 m Sled Push, 50 m Sled Pull, 80 m Burpee Broad Jumps, 1000 m Rowing, 200 m Farmers Carry, 100 m Sandbag Lunges, and 75/100 Wall Balls. Competitors can participate individually, in pairs, or in relay teams. It is a discipline that World Triathlon appears eager to include in its portfolio.
The reasoning is clear: while Hyrox has experienced rapid growth, the sport – or rather, the brand – is not governed by a federation or the IOC. A partnership with World Triathlon – even though discussions are still in an early, exploratory phase – could pave the way for Olympic recognition. “Once we recognise a discipline,” World Triathlon President Antonio Arimany explained in an interview with Insidersport.com, “the national federations recognise it, the governments recognise it through their national federations, and so does the International Olympic Committee. That brings Hyrox into the official sport structure. And that matters for its long-term sustainability.”
Hyrox is already notably popular among triathletes, sharing clear physical demands with triathlon itself. Several pro triathletes have tried Hyrox events and often return, showing that the crossover appeal is real.
